Highfield Fest 2013

Sunday 30th June was definitely a ‘fun’ day for families in Prudhoe.  The sun may not have been shining, but the children who visited Highfield Park were able to take full advantage of free face-painting, bouncy castle, an inflatable bungee, a giant slide and an obstacle course.  Mr Disco-Man, John Robson provided music and PA throughout the day, adding greatly to the atmosphere and also challenging the skill and dexterity of his audience with ‘The Cube’ style games.

As well as the inflatable fun, Prudhoe Waterworld was also on-site with sporting challenges, from football keepy-ups and hula-hooping to ‘how far you can throw a coconut’.  It all made perfect sense to the children who were delighted to try their luck at winning free passes to use at Waterworld and sweets for having a go!

Prudhoe Youth Football Club is a great asset to this Town and was invited to Highfield Fest to take advantage of the crowds and the goal with some small-scale fundraising.  Father and Son team Alex and Matt Psarianos, who coach Prudhoe under 7’s, kicked off the goal challenge, followed by Chris Hill of Prudhoe under 8’s.  The coaches were delighted to be part of the event, as were the mums of the very successful Prudhoe under 10’s team, who ran a tuck shop and cake stall whilst sporting their returning champions ‘Scarborough 2013’ hoodies.

Younger visitors were able to explore some crafty-fun and imaginative play with Prudhoe Parents’ Group, who operate out of Prudhoe Children’s Centre.  They act like a mobile playgroup, bringing inside fun outside, so ideal for Highfield Fest as well as offering some valuable course for parents at the centre.  Abby Wintersgill of Prudhoe Parents Group said “Community events like this are a brilliant way of getting ourselves known and also finding out what else Prudhoe has to offer. Hopefully we can reach out to at least one family through these events and get them involved.  Having activities for free can often make a difference, meaning that the low income families we try to reach out to, can enjoy a family day out without the worry of how they will pay for it.”

Prudhoe Town Council Events Committee is indebted to Prudhoe Army Cadet Force who always provide military standard car-parking and assistance at events.  Jon Scott and John Hirst of the Prudhoe Detachment are proud to help out and consider Highfield Fest a worthwhile recruitment arena.  This year they were delighted to recruit some female cadets and hope to recruit more female instructors.

Emma Milani of Prudhoe said “my two younger boys had a great time running around on the field, we all thoroughly enjoyed the day and value that we don’t have to pay for the attractions on offer.”

Janice Monnelly of Prudhoe said “It was nice to see so many familiar faces and the children all enjoying themselves”.

Debbie Grant of Prudhoe said “This was a great chance for the kids to have some fun for free, especially this close to the costly summer holidays”.

Lisa Jones of Prudhoe said “the kids had a fab time; my only complaint is that I got very cold, the wind up there is unforgiving, so I am definitely going up next weekend for the Kite Festival with extra jumpers.”

With this free event the Town Council hopes to draw a good family crowd to Highfield Park, which is very well used by young people, especially throughout the summer.  The Town Council is always keen to hear what people think and this is so true of events; any feedback received will help us make improvements for future years.

Enjoy the photographs below, courtesy of Mrs Moira Wooldridge, Community Photographer.